How Synthetic Phonics Instruction Can Improve Reading and Spelling Skills

Critical Agendas presents this evidence-informed workshop on how Systematic Synthetic Phonics instruction can improve reading and spelling outcomes, led by Shirley Houston, an independent educational consultant with 40 years of teaching experience and a Master's degree in Special Education. Recognised in Australia and other English-speaking countries as the most successful approach to teaching reading and spelling — particularly for students with specific learning difficulties — systematic synthetic phonics has become central to the science of reading movement. While most teachers include some phonics in their instruction, this workshop examines how to optimise that teaching for maximum student gains. Shirley draws on her extensive experience with students from Kindergarten through Year 12 across government, Catholic, and independent schools in both Australia and America. As a long-standing board member of the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation of Western Australia, she brings particular expertise in supporting students with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Participants learn about the features of high-quality phonics instruction, explore evidence-based programs and multisensory activities, and gain practical resources they can immediately use to design effective, systematic phonics programs in their classrooms.